Siberian Forest Cat - Their Charateristics

The Traditional Siberian is a medium to large cat with excellent physical condition, strength, balance, power, and alertness; this is modified by a very sweet facial expression. The females tend to be slightly smaller than the males taking up to 5 years to mature. The general impression of the body is one of circles and roundness rather than rectangles and triangles. Their eyes can vary in colour from gold to green and all shades in between. Odd eyes are an acceptable eye colour as is blue.

 

Siberians are a natural breed which reflect the climate in which they developed, they carry a very dense, medium to long, water repellent triple coat, although, with the Australian climate this is not as apparent. The coat is highlighted by a ruff around the neck, full fluffy britches, and a bushy tail, which is normally carried up with pride, in the colder climates the tail is quite useful to wrap around the face and paws to keep warm. Lynx tipping on the ear is allowed, although full ear furnishings are required. What this means is that the tops of the ears can have hair, giving the ears a pointed look when in fact they are rounded, the inside of the ear must have hair (furnishings) that protect it from the elements. The Siberian coat tends to remain relatively tangle-free, requiring only occasional brushing.

 

Traditional Siberian cats come in all colours and combinations, with or without white markings, the exception to this is colour points, chocolate, and cinnamon, pointed varieties more commonly known as Neva-Masquerade (SIB 31 – 33) are not considered to be Traditional Siberian and are not recognised in some Australian or Overseas cat fancy councils.